Science Friday

Last year, 9,000 deceased donor kidneys were discarded due to storage and time limitations. A kidney “life support” machine could change that. Also, the SS United States will join Florida’s 4,300 artificial reefs—human-made places for fish and other marine life to live. How do these reefs work?The Effort To Save Thousands Of Donor Kidneys From Being WastedSylvia Miles was diagnosed with lupus in 2006, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissue—including her kidneys.Miles, who lives in Indianapolis, was later diagnosed with advanced kidney disease, and was in need of a kidney transplant.Kidney diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the United States with 37 million people living with chronic kidney disease. Together with advanced kidney disease—the later stage of CKD—it cost Medicare billions of dollars in recent years.People like Miles, who need a kidney transplant, wait an average of five years—often on dialysis.But despite the long waitlists and organ shortages, around 9,000 kidneys from deceased donors last year were discarded due to perceived issues with their viability. A new Indiana-based organization, 34 Lives, is working to limit that waste and rehabilitate the organs.Read the rest of this article on sciencefriday.com.Ocean Liner SS United States Will Become An Artificial ReefThis week, after a notable career, the SS United States, a 1950s ocean liner, took her sunset cruise. Like many retirees, the ship is heading south—from Philadelphia to Florida—where she’ll be reinventing herself. In this next chapter, the SS United States will have new passengers: fish and other marine creatures. The ship will be sunk to the bottom of the sea and turned into an artificial reef, joining more than 4,300 artificial reefs off the coast of Florida.Other sunken ships have become artificial reefs in the past, which have helped boost marine life as well as scuba diving and fishing tourism. Host Flora Lichtman speaks with Scott Jackson, a regional specialized agent with the Florida Sea Grant and University of Florida IFAS extension, about the science behind artificial reefs, and what has been learned from decades of research.Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Alexander Clapp, author of "Waste Wars: The Wild Afterlife of Your Trash," shares insights from his global investigation into the waste trade. He reveals how most plastic labeled 'recyclable' ends up in landfills or worse. Clapp discusses the evolution of our disposable culture post-World War II and uncovers the shadowy world of waste brokers profiting from our trash. He emphasizes the need for accountability in plastic production and warns against relying on tech fixes for environmental issues.

Dr. Sarah Amand, an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins, challenges Peto's Paradox, which maintains that larger animals don’t have higher cancer risk. She reveals fresh findings suggesting that larger species might actually face increased cancer rates. The conversation also explores the fascinating traits of cancer-resistant animals like elephants. Additionally, a remarkable fossil of Bastetodon, a 30-million-year-old predator, is unveiled, connecting ancient ecological dynamics to cultural history.

Rachel Hardeman, a leader in health equity and anti-racism research, and Melissa Simon, an OB-GYN specializing in women's health, delve into the precarious impact of recent bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical research. They discuss how these restrictions threaten essential studies, particularly in women's and reproductive health. The irony of cutting fertility care while worrying about birth rates is examined, along with concerns over potential censorship in medical research language and the urgent need to maintain diversity for equitable health outcomes.

Katherine J. Wu, a Staff writer for The Atlantic, sheds light on the turmoil at the NIH, where conflicting directives confuse federal workers amid stalled grant funding. Mahmoud Ghannoum, a microbiologist, dives into the mycobiome, emphasizing the crucial role fungi play in our health. They discuss how fungi interact with bacteria to influence diseases like Crohn's and the rising concerns of antifungal resistance. The conversation also touches on exciting updates in science, including the potential for a woman to break the four-minute mile.

Bindi Irwin, conservationist and daughter of the legendary Steve Irwin, inspires young audiences to become 'Wildlife Warriors' through her new children's book about Australia Zoo. Talia Moore, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, discusses the biomechanics of mammal tails, revealing how their complex structures enhance balance and could influence robotics. The duo highlights the connection between nature's design and technological innovation, showcasing the potential for better robots inspired by the tails of agile animals.

Dr. Vinod Balachandran, an expert in pancreatic cancer treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering, discusses groundbreaking advancements in vaccine development. He shares promising results from a small trial of an mRNA vaccine that showed half of the participants developed a lasting immune response. Remarkably, six out of eight of these patients remained cancer-free for over three years. Balachandran emphasizes the potential of personalized vaccines and the revolutionary shift these could bring to cancer treatment, especially for hard-to-treat cancers.

Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist known for her newsletter "Your Local Epidemiologist," and Dr. Erica Shenoy, the Chief of Infection Control at Mass General Brigham, discuss the alarming spike in flu and other viral infections this winter. They explore factors contributing to the surge, like low vaccination rates and weakened immunity. The experts also examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped public awareness of viral threats and the challenges in monitoring bird flu. Their insights illuminate the critical state of public health during this troubling season.

Sudip Parikh, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, discusses the alarming federal cuts to science funding and their implications. He emphasizes the historic importance of scientific investment, comparing it to milestones like the moon landing. Parikh highlights job losses and the cancellation of key grants, urging the scientific community to engage with the public. He also addresses the intricate relationship between science and politics, inspiring young scientists to stay curious amid challenges. It's a pivotal time for American science.

Maggie Koerth, a science writer and editorial lead at CarbonPlan, discusses the groundbreaking discovery of King Thutmose II's tomb, a monumental find in Egyptian archaeology that reveals ancient burial practices. Dr. Kory Evans, an expert in anglerfish, dives into the internet's fascination with a viral video of a terrifying black seadevil anglerfish. They explore its bizarre adaptations, hunting strategies, and the poetic reaction it inspired online, challenging our understanding of survival in extreme environments.